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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the Dalai Lama say is an artificial posture that he rejects in favor of breaking down barriers between himself and others?

2. In the Introduction, why did it look as if the Archbishop Tutu might not be able to make his travel arrangements to visit the Dalai Lama?

3. How many siblings did the Dalai Lama have who died in infancy?

4. What is the word that means the opposite of taking pleasure in someone else's good fortune?

5. What color is the Dalai Lama's traditional robe?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Part II, what is the meaning of the word "dukkha?"

2. In Part I, why does Archbishop Tutu wonder how the Dalai Lama is not morose?

3. In Part I, what is one of the ways the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu express their affection for each other?

4. In the Introduction, what distinction does Tutu make between joy and happiness?

5. In Part II, what does the Dalai Lama advise for people who are grieving lost loved ones?

6. In Part II, what is one thought the Dalai Lama thinks people should remember in terms of the world population to stave off loneliness?

7. In Part II, what does the Dalai Lama identify as the connection between fear and anger?

8. In Part II, what does Archbishop Tutu emphasize about his view on human nature as a whole when bad things happen to him or in the world?

9. In Part II, what distinction does Archbishop Tutu draw between hope and optimism?

10. In Part II, what is the main difference between how the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu advise people to handle feelings of envy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay analyzing Archbishop Tutu's feelings about his own relationship with his father. How does Tutu deal with his regret over his missed opportunity to speak with his father just before his father's death?

Essay Topic 2

Frequently throughout the book, Abrams emphasizes the ease and humor with with the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu interact with each other. What role does Abrams argue that humor plays in the cultivation of joy, and of the bonds of friendship between these two particular religious leaders? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

How does analytical meditation, as the Dalai Lama explains it, differ from meditation in general? Write an essay explaining your answer, citing specific references to the text to support your conclusions.

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